Kansas City Royals Options to Fix the Rotation

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Be patient and let the staff work through their issues.

One had to figure there would be growing pains with both Yordano Ventura and Danny Duffy this season. For as well as they both performed last season, both Ventura and Duffy have struggled in their new roles atop the Kansas City Royals rotation. Perhaps it has to due with their increased expectations, but neither pitcher has been even close to what the Royals have expected.

The same statement can hold true for both Jason Vargas and Jeremy Guthrie. While we are talking about the Royals fourth and fifth starters, Vargas and Guthrie have combined for a 5.93 ERA and a 1.537 WHiP. In their ten starts, both pitchers have combined for 54.2 innings of work. Not exactly the innings eaters that the Royals expected.

Yet, we are not even five weeks into the season. If we are truly going to consider one month as a measuring stick of future success, the the White Sox should be concerned about Chris Sale and his 5.93 ERA and the Indians should look at the extension they just signed Corey Kluber and his 5.04 ERA to with dread.

One has to figure that, almost by default, the Kansas City Royals rotation will improve. The rotation is not likely to be Edinson Volquez and four pitchers that struggle to get through five innings. There is simply too much talent for this to remain the case all season.

However, if patience does not work, then maybe the Royals already have options.

Next: Looking within the organization